U.S. private equity firm Wasserstein & Co has bought Paris Presents Inc from Mason Wells. The transaction’s financial terms were not disclosed. Ontario Pension Board was among the co-investors in the deal, while BNP Paribas provided the financing. Based in Gurnee, Illinois, Paris Presents is a provider of branded cosmetic and bath accessories to mass merchants, drug stores, specialty beauty stores and online retailers. Update: U.S. private equity firm Mason Wells invested in the company in 2011.
PRESS RELEASE
Wasserstein & Co. Acquires Paris Presents, Inc.
NEW YORK, NY – January 5, 2015 – Wasserstein & Co., LP, on behalf of its private equity fund Wasserstein Partners III, today announced that it has acquired Paris Presents, Inc. from funds advised by private equity firm Mason Wells. Ontario Pension Board (OPB) and Northwestern Mutual are co-investing in the transaction alongside Wasserstein.
Headquartered in Gurnee, Illinois, Paris Presents is the leading provider of branded cosmetic and bath accessories to mass merchants, drug stores, specialty beauty stores and online retailers. The Company’s industry leading brands include Real Techniques, Eco Tools and Body Benefits. The Company’s products are sold throughout the U.S. and in over 20 international markets.
George Majoros, Co-Managing Partner of Wasserstein & Co., said, “We are delighted with our acquisition of Paris Presents. The Company’s brands and products are leaders in their industry, and the management team, led by Chief Executive Officer Patrick O’Brien, is exceptionally strong. We are excited to partner with management to accelerate the Company’s impressive domestic and international growth, and support its long success of product innovation and leadership.”
Patrick O’Brien, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, said, “We are looking forward to the next chapter of our growth story with our new partnership with Wasserstein & Co. While we have enjoyed considerable growth and success over the past years, we are very excited about the Company’s future prospects, and our new relationship with Wasserstein & Co.”
Financing for the transaction was provided by BNP Paribas. Jones Day served as legal advisor to Wasserstein & Co.
About Wasserstein & Co.
Wasserstein & Co. is a leading independent private equity and investment firm, focused primarily on leveraged buyout investments and related investment activities. Wasserstein & Co. manages capital on behalf of institutional and individual investors. The firm is focused on investments primarily in the media and communications, consumer products, and water and industrial sectors. Wasserstein & Co. has offices in New York and Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.wasserco.com.
About Paris Presents
Founded in 1947, Paris Presents is a global company that creates and distributes beauty products and personal care accessories that elevate the beauty experience for women. The Company’s leading brands include Real Techniques, Eco Tools and Body Benefits. Paris Presents provides a wide range of product categories and customized services through a strong network of national and global retailers. For more information, visit www.parispresents.com.
Contacts
For Wasserstein & Co. and Paris Presents
Sard Verbinnen & Co.
Stephanie Pillersdorf/Meghan Gavigan/Devin Broda
212-687-8080
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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